1998 - December: Finally out for first duck in his 37th Test innings, against New Zealand in Wellington.

1999 - January: Consistent scoring bolstered by centuries in both Tests against New Zealand in Hamilton, 190 in the first innings followed by a game-saving 103 not out; Smashes unbeaten 123 to score maiden ODI century in five-wicket (D/L) defeat to New Zealand in Taupo.

May: Top run scorer at the 1999 Cricket World Cup with 461.

November: Shares record ODI partnership of 331 with Sachin Tendulkar, contributing 153 as India thrash New Zealand by 174 runs.

2000 - February: Accession to captaincy of Sourav Ganguly heralds the best form of his career - in the record 21 Test wins under Ganguly, Dravid averaged over 100.

April: Named as one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year.

November: Registers maiden double-hundred against Zimbabwe in Delhi as home side win by seven wickets.

2002 - August: Scores 115 in second innings against England at Trent Bridge, starting a run of centuries in four successive Tests.

September: Rich vein of form continues with a double-hundred against England at the Oval, starting a stunning run of four 200-plus scores within 15 innings.

2003 - May: Marries Dr Vijeeta Pendharkar.

December: Scores 233 in a 303 partnership with VVS Laxman in Adelaide, the highest score overseas by an Indian batsman, and adds an unbeaten 72 as India secure a famous win. Dravid averages 123 in the series as India draw 1-1.

2004 - January: Awarded the Padma Shri, an Indian Government award for services to sport.

April: Smashes highest Test score of 270 against Pakistan in Rawalpindi as India win by an innings and 131 runs en route to first series win in Pakistan.

September: Named as the first ICC Player of the Year and Test Player of the Year, after averaging 95 throughout the year.